NAPLAN School Reports

We are excited to have received our school reports for the overall achievements of our students in NAPLAN for 2021.  We had previously made the commitment to transition to the full online package for this year, and despite expecting some teething issues with technology, our results are very good.  Our trends in particular areas of all participating year levels show that our students are achieving better than they ever have in NAPLAN, some the best since 2009, some the best since 2015, and some that still require further work.  I am extremely proud of the work of our staff and students in focussing on the building blocks of their literacy and numeracy over the past few years.  Although it is evident that our students are achieving better and better every year, standardised assessments such as NAPLAN allow us to celebrate the great progress our College is making. 

This year we are only below the Qld State Mean in 4/20 areas, a great improvement from 18 out of 20 areas in 2018.  This means that we are above (and in many cases well above) the QLD State Mean for 16/20, or 80% of NAPLAN areas. 

We are awaiting the printed copies of student reports, which will be promptly sent out to all families as soon as they are delivered to us.  Following that, access will also be given to the online reports for families.

This kind of change does not come without a significant amount of effort by teachers, school officers, learning support teachers, parents and our students themselves.  Please make sure you give a shout out to someone who supports your child with their literacy and numeracy next time you get a chance.

QCIS Today

I am attending QCIS Athletics at Downland College with over 60 athletes from OLSCC today.  This great opportunity allows our students to compete and test themselves against other highly acclaimed co-ed schools and colleges in our area. Whilst ribbons, trophies and accolades are grand, the main purpose of our involvement in QCIS is to develop the understanding that doing your best for yourself, your mates and your College is something that should be cherished.  The collective sense of team at these events means that every little contribution, be it a fourth or first, a sprint or a jump, every little bit allows us to play our part in building success.  It is only from this kind of wholistic contribution that we can begin to reap the rewards in later years.  I can’t wait to cheer along with our team as we give our best today and further build our College spirit, our College pride, and bring the students from the Downs together for a whole lot of fun. 

Staffing Changes

Mrs Elizabeth Kuruilaca: Mrs Kuruilaca has been our Business Manager since 2016.  She has overseen many changes at the College and the Diocese in her time and has done a wonderful job in ensuring the presentation, facilities and the financial status of the College have been maintained.  Mrs Kuruilaca finished her work at OLSCC last Friday, though she will be missed, we wish her all the best in her future, and thank her for her legacy at OLSCC.

Mr Andrew Peterson: Mr Peterson has been working at the College for over 2 years as our groundsman. Mr Peterson has been instrumental in many facility upgrades at the College, including the procurement of the College Coach and all the facilities you will see changing before your eyes over the coming 12 months.  Mr Petersen has accepted a position in Murgon and will be moving there with his family.  We wish Mr Peterson all the best in Murgon!

It is important to note that prior to the holidays we will be advertising many positions at the College in readiness for 2022.  This will align with the release of our draft timetable which will be further refined as the year progresses.  We have the majority of the 2022 timetable completed, though this relies on finalising our teaching team for 2022.  Before the next newsletter, we will be announcing some changes for the 2022 team prior to the jobs being listed. 

Middle Years Plaza

The works have begun in the Middle Years Plaza, and, although a little messy, it is great to see the changes taking place.  While there has been some noise with the demolition works taking place, teachers and students have reported that there has been little impact on their learning.  This is great to hear!  Please see the photos attached to see the mess before the clean up begins!

Peter Cuskelly

Principal